MIAMI – The New York Rangers secured a dominant 5-1 victory over the Florida Panthers, with Mika Zibanejad stealing the show by recording the first Mika Zibanejad hat trick in Winter Classic history. This event marked a historic first, as it was the first outdoor NHL game ever in Miami, taking place at loanDepot park on January 2, 2026. Zibanejad’s remarkable performance didn’t stop at the Mika Zibanejad hat trick; he also added two assists, giving him five points in the game, setting a new NHL record for most points in an outdoor game, surpassing the previous record of four points. Zibanejad’s performance was truly special, and his Mika Zibanejad hat trick will be etched in NHL history.
The 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic: A Miami Spectacle
The 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic took place on January 2, 2026. It was a significant event for sports in Miami, bringing a unique flavor by combining winter tradition with a subtropical setting, where palm trees and warm air met the ice. This was the southernmost outdoor game in NHL history, and the Panthers hosted this groundbreaking event, marking their first appearance in an outdoor game. The league aimed to broaden its reach, and hockey’s presence in Florida has grown significantly, evident in the Panthers’ recent success, reaching four of the last six Stanley Cup Finals.
Rangers Dominate from the Start, Fueled by Zibanejad
The Rangers controlled the game from early on. Zibanejad opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 15:09 of the first period, thanks to a slick pass from Alexis Lafrenière. This goal tied Zibanejad for the Rangers’ franchise record for power-play goals with 116, sharing the record with Chris Kreider and Camille Henry. The Rangers’ power play was effective, going 2-for-3 on the night. Just 64 seconds later, Artemi Panarin scored through traffic, with Lafrenière also assisting, making it a lethal line of Zibanejad, Panarin, and Lafrenière. New York took a commanding 2-0 lead into the first intermission, setting the stage for a potential Mika Zibanejad hat trick.
Early Second Period Momentum and a Near Mika Zibanejad Hat Trick
The Rangers continued their momentum, scoring early in the second period. Zibanejad netted his second goal just 58 seconds into the frame, with Lafrenière again providing the assist. This one-timer from the left circle beat Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, who made 15 saves in the game. The Rangers held a firm 3-0 lead, bringing Zibanejad closer to his historic achievement.
The Panthers finally found the scoreboard. Sam Reinhart scored for Florida on the power play at 2:20 of the third period, knocking in a loose puck in the slot to cut the deficit to 3-1. It provided a brief spark for the home crowd. However, the Rangers quickly responded. Panarin scored his second goal of the night on the power play at 12:25, restoring the Rangers’ three-goal lead at 4-1. This was a critical moment, stifling any Panther comeback hopes.
Zibanejad Completes Historic Mika Zibanejad Hat Trick and Sets Records
Zibanejad sealed the victory and completed his historic Mika Zibanejad hat trick by scoring a short-handed empty-net goal at 18:32. This marked the first hat trick in Winter Classic history. He also became the first player with five points in any outdoor game, with his offensive outburst being remarkable. The Mika Zibanejad hat trick was the highlight of a record-breaking night.
Igor Shesterkin was solid in net for the Rangers, making 36 saves and holding off Panther advances. His performance was crucial for the New York Rangers victory. The Panthers generated many shots, finishing with 37 shots on goal.
Unusual Conditions for the Winter Classic
The game was played under unusual conditions, with the temperature around 63 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the second-warmest Winter Classic on record. Despite the warm weather, the ice held up well enough thanks to advanced refrigeration implemented by the NHL, ensuring playable ice quality. The retractable roof at loanDepot park was open for the game, with spectacle being key to the event’s success.
Rangers’ Perfect Outdoor Record Continues
The Rangers’ outdoor game record is impressive, improving to 6-0-0 all-time in outdoor contests, the most outdoor wins in NHL history. This victory added another chapter to their perfect outdoor legacy. The team came into this game on a three-game losing streak, and this win offered a much-needed fresh start.
Panthers’ Tough Outdoor Debut in Miami
For the Florida Panthers, it was a tough debut in their first outdoor game and their first game in Miami since 1998. Despite the loss, the event was a spectacle. Coach Paul Maurice praised the NHL’s execution, calling it “spectacular” and “brilliant.” The team hopes to rebound quickly, currently sitting at 2-3-1 in their last six games.
A Record-Breaking Event in the Sunshine State
The event was a success, with a sellout crowd of 36,153 in attendance. This news highlights the growing sports landscape in South Florida and showcases the NHL’s ability to create unique events. The Rangers celebrated a memorable victory, and Mika Zibanejad’s historic five-point night, including the first Mika Zibanejad hat trick in Winter Classic history, led the charge. This game will be remembered for its records, including the Mika Zibanejad hat trick, and its unique Miami setting for the first outdoor NHL game Miami.
